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Federal Way shooting suspect charged with murder; bail set at $2 million

Bernard Bellerouche, 28, was arrested in Kennewick, Wash. on Saturday in connection with three recent shootings in Federal Way and Des Moines, which killed two people.

— image credit: Courtesy Federal Way Police Department

Bernard Bellerouche, the man accused of two fatal shootings in Federal Way earlier this month, was charged with first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm in King County Superior Court on Thursday.

The charges are related to the May 7 shooting death of Demario Washington at the Silver Shadow Apartments in Federal Way.

The state set his bail at $2 million due to Bellerouche’s long criminal history, which includes assaults, robbery, harassment, and theft, among others, according to court documents.

The charge for unlawful possession of a firearm is related to his past convictions, because felons are not allowed to own or have a firearm in their possession.

The documents state that Bellerouche is considered a flight risk, citing his escape to Kennewick, Wash. in the days after the shootings he is alleged to have committed. Police arrested Bellerouche on Saturday, after U.S. Marshals found him in Kennewick.

Bellerouche is also believed to be connected to the shooting death of 22-year-old George J. Gabriel on May 13 at the Mariposa Apartments in Federal Way. Detectives have also indicated he is a person of interest in a shooting that injured one man in Des Moines on May 12.

If convicted of the charges, Bellerouche faces up to 35 years in prison, the documents continue.

His arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m. June 12 at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent.

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